Paul Rowley’s Leeds Rhinos link by Ian Blease amid Rohan Smith’s heat

Paul Rowley is a name that has been on the lips of Leeds Rhinos supporters for some time, with the Salford Red Devils head coach regularly linked with a move to Headingley.

This has increased in recent weeks as the Rhinos’ on-field results have increased the pressure on the man currently on the Headingley hot seat, Rohan Smith.

Of course, the appointment of former Salford Red Devils manager Ian Blease as Leeds’ new sporting director will only add to that speculation. However, Blease has been keen to play down those suggestions as he begins life at the club, insisting he will not rush into any decisions.

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“It’s for you guys to speculate,” Blease said when asked about Rowley. “Obviously I’ve had a great relationship with Paul, he’s a great coach, so was Ian Watson before him and Richard Marshall.

“I’ve had great relationships with the people I’ve worked with and I’ll always keep them healthy. But it’s about putting my feet under the table at this club.”

Rowley has done an excellent job with the Reds and despite the challenge of seeing star players sold, he remained loyal to the club earlier this year when Hull FC came calling, turning down an approach to stay at Salford.